Electronics Now articles from April 1996

Electronics Now archives from April 1996

DVD peace treaty. (digital video disc)(Video News)
April 1, 1996... Final agreement between the proponents of two high-density optical disc systems for video and computer use now makes it possible that the first products will be available in quantity by the end of this year. The two camps Multimedia CD (MMCD),...

Equipment reports: a virtual oscilloscope and recorder from mission technology. (Innovative Solutions' MeterMux test-lead switcher)(Evaluation)
April 1, 1996... Monitor multiple test points with a single multimeter with the MeterMux. Any piece of test equipment that speeds up your troubleshooting time is a good investment. The faster you can complete a job, the more servicing volume you can handle...

Signalling System 7: the mystery of instant worldwide telephony is exposed. (includes glossary of telephone network terms)
April 1, 1996... Most of us don't stop to consider the "magic" of instant worldwide communications that takes place when we pick up our phones. Whether we want to make a call to a phone in the house next door or on another continent, we just expect the magic to...

Analog IC tester.
April 1, 1996... Check out digital and analog ICs with this inexpensive home-brew combo tester The analogic ic tester is a device designed to test both analog and digital integrated circuits. Most IC testers will test digital ICs, but are unable to test analog...

Mini metrology lab.
April 1, 1996... Build a DC null detector/amplifier for your DVM as the second component of a mini metrology lab. This three-part series began last month with a description and complete construction details for a precision voltage standard. To increase the...

Programmable logic controllers.
April 1, 1996... Programmable logic controllers are the brains of modern industrial control systems. This article will show you what they are, how they work, and where they are used. Modern factories are efficient, output minimal pollution, very safe, and...

Time-period adapter.
April 1, 1996... Expand the measuring capabilities of your digital multimeter with this easy to build and simple to operate accessory. Have you ever tried to measure a low frequency waveform accurately with a frequency counter? Have you been frustrated in...

PIC programming tricks, addressing modes, and an update for Adobe Acrobat.
April 1, 1996... There sure has been quite a lot of interest in microcontrollers both on my tech helpline and PSRT lately. This month, I figured I would look at the secrets to understanding and using new low-end microcontrollers. This requires the learning and...

In the beginning there was coherent light. (helium-neon laser)(Laser Experiments)
April 1, 1996... Build a basic experimenter's laser. You'll put it to work performing a variety of experiments we will present in future columns. This new ongoing column begins by presenting brief history of lasers, some basic theory, and details of howto build...

The spinal column of civilization. (Internet)(Computer Connections)
April 1, 1996... Suppose you were 25 years old in the year 4 BC. At that time, you could not know that by the time you were thirty, something would happen that would change the world. [Incomplete Text In Original Publication] the time you were 40 (or 50 or...